The stars aligned yesterday, as HiAS opened its Community Center on L.G. Smith Boulevard 128, above Wendy’s on the boulevard.
The sign on the door simply reads: HIAS Welcome the stranger – Protect the refugee.
HIAS, founded in 1881, to assist Jews fleeing the pogroms in Russian and Eastern Europe, has touched many lives through World War I and World War II, helping many displaced persons, in Europe, to resettle in the USA, Canada and South America.
In recent years HIAS worked around the globe, where needed, in Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and because reportedly 6,096,382 Venezuelan have become displaced, leaving their country due to dire economic, political and social conditions, HIAS now operates a large center in Aruba, to help that unfortunate, undocumented group, locally and in the region.
HIAS has operated in Aruba since February 2019, and has grown steadily, it now employs 23 staffers, 3 interns, keeps in touch with 25 Community Mobilizers, and maintains at office on Arendstraat 116.
The Community Center inaugurated yesterday will serve as a hub, delivering help in areas such as general protection, mitigation of risks to safety, dignity and wellbeing, mental health and psychological assistance, gender based violence prevention and response, economic inclusion, education, health and community-based protection.
The center is set up charmingly according to services provided, and includes the Gloria Estefan Multifunction Area, the Isabel Allende Conference Room, The Albert Einstein Computer Lab, the Malala Yousafzai Activity Room, the Anne Frank Playroom, and the Dalai Lama Meeting Room. It is opening for the community at large this afternoon and expects over 100 people to attend the festivities.
On the invitation list for yesterday’s official opening the Aruba Premier, the Minister di Labor, Integration and Energy, the Minister di Justice and Social Affairs and the Minister of Integrity, Nature, Transport and Elderly Care, a number of officials from the Police force from the Immigration services, and the officials of the Dutch representation.
They all came in respectfully, listened intently to introductions and summaries, watched a video presentation, held hands and sang kumbaya.
The Director of HIAS Aruba Yiftach Milo, introduced his organization and the work it does. He spoke eloquently, and concluded his address stating that Aruba is an immigrant society, which has benefited greatly over the years from all the gifts of talent and creativity immigrants brought along. He praised diversity and inclusion, and thanked the government of Aruba for the welcome extended to his organization.
I think Aruba needs to thank HIAS, for doing the government’s job here, with funds from the UN and the US State Department. As long as HIAS is providing services to the undocumented displaced members of our community, the pressure on the government is naturally, alleviated.
The highlight of the afternoon was a testimony by community leader Ana Theis de Ortega, from Venezuela, who told her turbulent personal story, thanking Aruba for its hospitality. When she finished, there wasn’t a dry eye in the house, and Aruba’s Premier sweetly hugged Ana, a heart-warming gesture, worth all the trouble Ana had to go through.
Genesis Maduro then launched an AIDS awareness campaign.
HIAS doesn’t shy away from tough subjects and complicated situations. They are not afraid of social stigmas, and are out to eradicate them, on all fronts.
The ribbon of the Community Center was cut by Aruba’s Premier, Milo and Jessica Ramirez.
Superwoman Xinara Raymond skillfully emceed the afternoon, navigating between the VIPs and the packed agenda, successfully.
